A masterplan to guide development at Ngā Hau Māngere/Māngere Centre Park has been adopted.
Māngere Ōtāhuhu Local Board approved a draft masterplan for community engagement last June.
That engagement was undertaken in July and early August and included seeking input on priorities for the plan’s implementation.
Board chair Tauanu’u Nanai Nick Bakulich says the community mostly supported the plan but changes were made based on feedback, and further engagement took place before the plan, and details around implementing it, was finalised.
“The Centre Park masterplan is all about guiding long-term improvements which will be welcomed by a community that has one of Tamaki Makaurau’s fastest-growing youth populations.
“The plan addresses enhancing the parks intrinsic values, meeting community needs and providing the board with a framework for future investment and development decisions.
“We aspire for a park that the people of Māngere and surrounding areas could be proud of, a park that meets our diverse needs, and we are on the way to delivering that.
“Parks can cater for different purposes, from sport fields, picnics to passive recreation. We are fortunate that this open space also provides for activities like the steam trains and a vibrant food hub.
“Parks should be welcoming spaces open to all, Centre Park’s 21 hectares can certainly be just that. We’re grateful to everyone in the community who provided feedback and has helped shape what is being built for the community.”
The next stage of the process can now begin. It will focus on providing fit-for-purpose, multi-use facilities that meet current and future community needs.
Some work supported by the masterplan has already been implemented, including redeveloping the playground, three field upgrades that include lighting, a new cricket/kilikiti wicket and commemorating the former homestead.
Funding has already been allocated over the coming years for upgrading the New Arising Trust clubrooms, renewing the existing toilets and changing facility, and developing new toilet facilities.
